Dietary Inclusion of Yellow Mealworms (T. molitor) and Lesser Mealworms (A. diaperinus) Modifies Intestinal Microbiota Populations of Diet-Induced Obesity Mice

BACKGROUND

Insect-based proteins are high-quality alternatives to support the shift toward more sustainable and healthy diets. Additionally, insects contain chitin and have unique fatty acid profiles. Studies have shown that mealworms may beneficially affect metabolism, but limited information is known regarding their effects on gut microbiota.

OBJECTIVES

We determined the effects of defatted yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and whole lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) meals on the intestinal microbiota of diet-induced obesity mice.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD; 46% kcal) to induce obesity. Obese mice were then randomly assigned to treatments (n = 10/group) and fed for 8 wk: HFD, HFD with casein protein; B50, HFD with 50% protein from whole lesser mealworm; B100, HFD with 100% protein from whole lesser mealworm; Y50, HFD with 50% protein from defatted yellow mealworm; Y100, HFD with 100% protein from defatted yellow mealworm. Lean mice (n = 10) fed a low-fat-diet (10% kcal) were included. Fresh feces were collected at baseline and every 2 wk, with cecal digesta collected at kill. Fecal and cecal DNA was analyzed for microbiota using 16S rRNA MiSeq Illumina sequencing.

RESULTS

In feces and cecal digesta, mice fed mealworms had greater (P < 0.05) bacterial alpha diversity, with changes occurring in a time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Beta diversity analyses of cecal samples showed a clear separation of treatments, with a time-based separation shown in fecal samples. Widespread microbial differences were observed, with over 45 genera altered (P < 0.05) by diet in cecal digesta. In feces, over 50 genera and 40 genera were altered (P < 0.05) by diet and time, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Mealworm consumption changes the intestinal microbiota of obese mice, increasing alpha diversity measures and shifting bacterial taxa. More investigation is required to determine what mealworm components are responsible and how they may be linked with the metabolic benefits observed in mealworm-fed mice.

Ophiopogonin D ameliorates non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease in high‑fat diet‑induced obese mice by improving lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and inflammatory response

Lipid metabolic disorders, oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver are key steps in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Ophiopogonin D (OP-D), the main active ingredient of Ophiopogon japonicus, exhibits several pharmacological activities such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the role of OP-D in NAFLD in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mouse model. To investigate the effect of OP-D on NAFLD in vivo, a NAFLD mouse model was established following feeding mice with HFD, then the mice were randomly treated with HFD or HFD + OP-D for 4 weeks. Subsequently, primary mouse hepatocytes were isolated, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis were used for assessment to explore the direct effect of OP-D in vitro. The results of the present study indicated that OP-D could ameliorate NAFLD in HFD-induced obese mice by regulating lipid metabolism and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. Additionally, OP-D treatment decreased lipogenesis and inflammation levels in vitro, suggesting that the NF-κB signaling pathway may be involved in the beneficial effects of OP-D on NAFLD.

Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and Lesser Mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) Proteins Slowed Weight Gain and Improved Metabolism of Diet-Induced Obesity Mice

BACKGROUND

High-protein diets not only meet amino acid needs but also modulate satiety and energy metabolism. Insect-based proteins are sustainable, high-quality proteins. Mealworms have been studied, but limited information is known about their ability to impact metabolism and obesity.

OBJECTIVE

We determined the effects of defatted yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor)- and whole lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus)-based proteins on the body weight (BW), serum metabolites, and liver and adipose tissue (AT) histology and gene expression of diet-induced obesity mice.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD; 46% kcal) to induce obesity and metabolic syndrome. Obese mice were then assigned to treatments (n = 10/group) and fed for 8 wk: HFD: HFD with casein protein; B50: HFD with 50% protein from whole lesser mealworm; B100: HFD with 100% protein from whole lesser mealworm; Y50: HFD with 50% protein from defatted yellow mealworm; Y100: HFD with 100% protein from defatted yellow mealworm. Lean mice (n = 10) fed a low-fat-diet (LFD; 10% kcal) were included. Longitudinal food intake, BW, body composition, and glucose response were measured. At time of killing, serum metabolites, tissue histopathology and gene expression, and hepatic triglycerides were analyzed.

RESULTS

After 8 wk, HFD, B50, and B100 had greater (P < 0.05) weight gain than LFD, whereas Y50 and Y100 did not. Y50, B100, and Y100 had a lower (P < 0.05) BW change rate than HFD. Mealworm-based diets led to increased (P < 0.05) serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and reduced (P < 0.05) serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations and reduced (P<0.05) LDL/HDL ratio. Mealworm-based diets led to increased (P < 0.05) hepatic expression of genes related to energy balance, immune response, and antioxidants and reduced (P < 0.05) AT expression of genes associated with inflammation and apoptosis. Mealworm-based diets altered (P < 0.05) hepatic and AT expression of glucose and lipid metabolism genes.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to serving as an alternative protein source, mealworms may confer health benefits to obese patients.

Effects of Modified Dietary Fiber from Fresh Corn Bracts on Obesity and Intestinal Microbiota in High-Fat-Diet Mice

The effects of insoluble dietary fiber from fresh corn bracts modified by dynamic high-pressure micro-fluidization (DHPM) on the pathological characteristics of obesity, intestinal microflora distribution and production of short-chain fatty acids in high-fat-diet C57BL/6 mice were evaluated. The results show that the DHPM-modified dietary fiber from fresh corn bracts significantly reduces weight gain, insulin resistance and oxidative damage caused by a high-fat diet, and promotes the production of SCFAs, especially acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid. These modified dietary fibers also change the proportion of different types of bacteria in the intestinal microflora of mice, reduce the ratio of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota and promote the proliferation of Bifidobacteriales. Therefore, the DHPM-modified dietary fiber from fresh corn bracts can be used as a good intestinal microbiota regulator to promote intestinal health, thereby achieving the role of preventing and treating obesity.

The Chinese herbal medicine Dai-Zong-Fang promotes browning of white adipocytes in vivo and in vitro by activating PKA pathway to ameliorate obesity

Introduction: The global prevalence of obesity is rising rapidly. Conversion of white adipose tissue (WAT) into beige adipose tissue with heat-consuming characteristics, i.e., WAT browning, effectively inhibits obesity. Dai-Zong-Fang (DZF), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has long been used to treat metabolic syndrome and obesity. This study aimed to explore the pharmacological mechanism of DZF against obesity. Methods: In vivo, C57BL/6J mice were fed high-fat diets to establish the diet-induced obese (DIO) model. DZF (0.40 g/kg and 0.20 g/kg) and metformin (0.15 g/kg, positive control drug) were used as intervention drugs for six weeks, respectively. The effects of DZF on body size, blood glucose and lipid level, structure and morphology of adipocytes and browning of inguinal WAT (iWAT) in DIO mice were observed. In vitro, mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes were used as the model. Concentrations of DZF (0.8 mg/mL and 0.4 mg/mL) were selected according to the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8). After 2d intervention, lipid droplet morphology was observed by BODIPY493/503 staining, and mitochondria number was observed by mito-tracker Green staining. H-89 dihydrochloride, a PKA inhibitor, was used to observe the change in browning markers' expression. The expression levels of browning markers UCP1 and PGC-1α and key molecules of PKA pathway were detected in vivo and in vitro. Results: In vivo, compared with vehicle control group, 0.40 g/kg DZF significantly reduced obesity in DIO mice from body weight, abdomen circumference, Lee's index, and WAT/body weight (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001). 0.40 g/kg DZF also significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001). The iWAT's morphology and mitochondria were browning after DZF intervention. In HE-staining, the lipid droplets became smaller, and the number of mitochondria increased. The mitochondrial structure was remodeled under the electron microscope. The expression of UCP1, PGC-1α and PKA was elevated in iWAT detected by RT-qPCR (p < 0.05 or p < 0.001). In vitro, compared with the control group, 0.8 mg/mL DZF intervention significantly increased the number of mitochondria and expression of UCP1, PGC-1α, PKA, and pCREB (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). In contrast, UCP1 and PGC-1α expression were significantly reversed after adding PKA inhibitor H-89 dihydrochloride. Conclusion: DZF can promote UCP1 expression by activating the PKA pathway, thereby promoting browning of WAT, attenuating obesity, and reducing obesity-related glucose and lipid metabolism abnormalities, indicating that DZF has the potential to be selected as an anti-obesity drug to benefit obese patients.

MC-LR Aggravates Liver Lipid Metabolism Disorders in Obese Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet via PI3K/AKT/mTOR/SREBP1 Signaling Pathway

Obesity, a metabolic disease caused by excessive fat accumulation in the body, has attracted worldwide attention. Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a hepatotoxic cyanotoxin which has been reportedly to cause lipid metabolism disorder. In this study, C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for eight weeks to build obese an animal model, and subsequently, the obese mice were fed MC-LR for another eight weeks, and we aimed to determine how MC-LR exposure affects the liver lipid metabolism in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice. The results show that MC-LR increased the obese mice serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), indicating damaged liver function. The lipid parameters include serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and liver TG, which were all increased, whilst the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) was decreased. Furthermore, after MC-LR treatment, histopathological observation revealed that the number of red lipid droplets increased, and that steatosis was more severe in the obese mice. In addition, the lipid synthesis-related genes were increased and the fatty acid β-oxidation-related genes were decreased in the obese mice after MC-LR exposure. Meanwhile, the protein expression levels of phosphorylation phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K), phosphorylation protein kinase B (p-AKT), phosphorylation mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP1-c) were increased; similarly, the p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, p-mTOR/mTOR, and SREBP1/β-actin were significantly up-regulated in obese mice after being exposed to MC-LR, and the activated PI3K/AKT/mTOR/SREBP1 signaling pathway. In addition, MC-LR exposure reduced the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and increased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the obese mice's serum. In summary, the MC-LR could aggravate the HFD-induced obese mice liver lipid metabolism disorder by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/SREBP1 signaling pathway to hepatocytes, increasing the SREBP1-c-regulated key enzymes for lipid synthesis, and blocking fatty acid β-oxidation.

Effect of Structured Phenolic Lipids with EPA/DHA and Gallic Acid against Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) in Mice

Obesity is the leading risk factor for developing metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The food industry has an essential role in searching for new strategies to improve primary food sources to revert some of the metabolic alterations induced by obesity. There is consistent evidence that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) belonging to the n-3 series, i.e., eicosapentaenoic (20:5n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic (22:6n-3, DHA) acids, could revert some alterations associated with obesity-induced metabolic diseases. A relevant tool is the synthesis of structured acylglycerols (sAG), which include EPA or DHA at the sn-2 position. On the other hand, it has been reported that a crucial role of antioxidants is the reversion of MAFLD. In this work, we studied the effects of new molecules incorporating gallic acid (GA) into EPA/DHA-rich structured lipids. Mice were fed with a high-fat diet (60%) for three months and were then divided into five groups for supplementation with sAG and sAG structured with gallic acid (structured phenolic acylglycerols, sPAG). sPAG synthesis was optimized using a 2²-screening factorial design based on the response surface methodology (RSM). Our results show that treatment of sPAG was effective in decreasing visceral fat, fasting glycemia, fasting insulin, suggesting that this new molecule has a potential use in the reversal of MAFLD-associated alterations.

Functional Fiber Reduces Mice Obesity by Regulating Intestinal Microbiota

Obesity may cause metabolic syndrome and has become a global public health problem, and dietary fibers (DF) could alleviate obesity and metabolic syndrome by regulating intestinal microbiota. We developed a functional fiber (FF) with a synthetic mixture of polysaccharides, high viscosity, water-binding capacity, swelling capacity, and fermentability. This study aimed to investigate the effect of FF on obesity and to determine its prevention of obesity by modulating the gut microbiota. Physiological, histological, and biochemical parameters, and gut microbiota composition were investigated in the following six groups: control group (Con), high-fat diet group (HFD), low-fat diet group (LFD, conversion of HFD to LFD), high-fat +8% FF group (8% FF), high-fat +12% FF group (12% FF), and high-fat +12% FF + antibiotic group (12% FF + AB). The results demonstrated that 12% FF could promote a reduction in body weight and epididymal adipocyte area, augment insulin sensitivity, and stimulate heat production from brown adipose tissue (BAT) (p < 0.05). Compared with the HFD, 12% FF could also significantly improve the intestinal morphological integrity, attenuate systemic inflammation, promote intestinal microbiota homeostasis, and stabilize the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) (p < 0.05). Consistent with the results of 12% FF, the LFD could significantly reduce the body weight and epididymal adipocyte area relative to the HFD (p < 0.05), but the LFD and HFD showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the level of inflammation and SCFAs. Meanwhile, 12% FF supplementation showed an increase (p < 0.05) in the abundance of the Bifidobacterium, Lactococcus, and Coprococcus genus in the intestine, which had a negative correlation with obesity and insulin resistance. Additionally, the treatment with antibiotics (12% FF + AB) could inhibit the effect of FF in the HFD. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) function prediction revealed that 12% FF could significantly inhibit the cyanogenic amino acid metabolic pathway and decrease the serum succinate concentration relative to the HFD group. The overall results indicate that 12% FF has the potential to reduce obesity through the beneficial regulation of the gut microbiota and metabolites.

Anti-obesity effect of fermented lemon peel on high-fat diet-induced obese mice by modulating the inflammatory response

Inflammation is a characteristic of obesity. The rich compounds in lemon peel have anti-inflammatory effects. This study examined whether fermented lemon peel can have an anti-obesity effect on obese mice induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) by regulating inflammation. The lemon peel fermentation supernatant (LPFS) could inhibit the weight gain of mice and improve the lesions of the liver and epididymal adipose tissue. In addition, LPFS regulates blood lipids, liver function, and inflammation-related indicators in the serum of obese mice. LPFS plays a positive role in regulating the inflammation and obesity-related genes in liver tissue and adipose tissue of obese mice. High-performance liquid chromatography showed an increase in the contents of compounds with antioxidant or/and anti-inflammatory effects and compounds with anti-obesity effects. These results suggest that the LPFS could help reduce obesity in obese mice induced by an HFD by adjusting the balance of the inflammatory response. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Obesity often increases the risk of chronic diseases, and mild inflammation is a feature of obesity. Therefore, timely suppression of inflammation in the body can help control the occurrence of obesity. This study clarified the anti-obesity effect of fermented lemon peel on a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice by regulating the body's inflammatory response and confirmed that fermentation improves the anti-inflammatory activity of lemon peel. This study provides important references for future investigation, prophylaxis, and treatment of inflammation and obesity-related diseases, as well as the advances in functional foods and fermented foods with anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity activities.

Effect of Extract-Added Water Derived from Deep-Sea Water with Different Hardness on Cognitive Function, Motor Ability and Serum Indexes of Obese Mice

Deep-sea water (DSW) contains multiple minerals and is widely used as drinking water, for cosmetic purposes, and as seasoning. In this study, several types of extract-added water with different levels of hardness (200, 300, 500) were prepared from DSW collected off the coast of Muroto City, Kochi Prefecture. We administrated it to obese mice for two months and tested it for several effects. Although there was no anti-obesity effect for any hardness level in obese mice, the cognitive functions of each DSW-extract-added water-treated group were significantly improved compared to control obese mice in the water maze test. Time-to-fall by the rota-rod test was also dramatically improved in the DSW-extract-added water-treated groups. The levels of triglycerides and blood urea nitrogen were significantly decreased in DSW-extract-added water-treated obese mice. However, these results did not depend on the hardness. Hardness levels of 200 or 300 of DSW-extract-added water had greater effects on cognitive function and serum scores compared to a level of 500. We analyzed DSW using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. High concentrations of magnesium and potassium were detected, but sodium was not detected at very high concentrations. Although the detailed mechanisms of its effects are not yet understood, chronic intake of DSW-extract-added water may have a beneficial effect on health.

Perivascular adipose tissue and microvascular endothelial dysfunction in obese mice: Beneficial effects of aerobic exercise in adiponectin receptor (AdipoR1) and peNOSSer1177

In the present study, we aim to investigate the effects of aerobic physical training on perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT)-induced microvascular dysfunction of the femoral artery in obese mice. Microvascular reactivity was evaluated in control sedentary (c-SD), obese sedentary (o-SD) and obese trained (o-TR) male mice (C57BL6/JUnib), in the absence (PVAT-) or the presence (PVAT+) of femoral artery PVAT. We also analyzed protein expression, vascular nitric oxide (NO) production and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in PVAT. The blood glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol levels were increased in the o-SD group, when compared with the c-SD group. The maximal responses and the potency to acetylcholine (ACh) were decreased in PVAT+ compared with PVAT- rings in the o-SD group, accompanied by a decrease in vascular protein expression of peNOS_Ser1177 , Cu/Zn-SOD, leptin receptor (Ob-R) and adiponectin receptor (AdipoR1). The protein expression of leptin increased and that of adiponectin decreased in PVAT. Additionally, vascular NO production was reduced and ROS generation was enhanced in PVAT in the o-SD group. Aerobic exercise training was effective for normalizing ACh relaxation response, vascular NO production and ROS generation in the o-TR group. It partially re-established the vascular protein expression of peNOS_Ser1177 and the PVAT leptin; normalized the vascular Cu/Zn-SOD and AdipoR1 protein expressions. In obese sedentary mice, the presence of PVAT is involved in the process of microvascular dysfunction of the femoral artery in a pathway associated with increased inflammation and ROS generation. The aerobic exercise training normalized the vascular response, the NO production and/or bioavailability and oxidative stress, with improved vascular expressions of Cu/Zn-SOD, peNOS_ser1177 , and AdipoR1.

The Effect of Functional Fiber on Microbiota Composition in Different Intestinal Segments of Obese Mice

The gastrointestinal tract is a heterogeneous ecosystem with distinct, stratified environments, which leads to different microbial composition in different intestinal segments. The regional heterogeneity of intestinal microbiota complicates the relationship between diet and microbiota. Few studies have focused on the effects of different diets on microbiota in different intestinal segments. This study aimed to investigate the effects of functional fiber on the microbial composition in multiple intestinal segments from a high-fat diet compared with a normal chow diet. We found that the response of microbiota from different intestinal segments to diet was related to the intestinal physiologic function and the physicochemical properties of dietary nutrients. A high-fat diet drove changes in the microbial composition in the hindgut, possibly by affecting the digestive environment of the foregut, and increased the regional heterogeneity of the whole intestinal microbiota. The supplementation of functional fiber promoted the microbial transfer and colonization from the anterior to the posterior intestinal segments, and increased the regional similarity of intestinal microbiota accordingly, particularly within the hindgut. The gut fermentation of the functional fiber, which mainly occurred in the hindgut, resulted in a significant change in the microbial composition and metabolism in the cecum and colon, with richer carbohydrate metabolism-related bacteria, including Mucispirillum, Prevotella, Anaerostipes, Oscillospira, Ruminococcus, Bacteroides, Coprococcus, Ruminococcus (Lachnospiraceae), and Allobaculum, and higher production of acetate and butyrate. We concluded that multiple regulatory mechanisms of diets which affect microbiota composition exist, including microbial metabolism, microbial migration, and the regulation of the intestinal environment.

The protective effects of steamed ginger on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells and adiposity in diet-induced obese mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The steamed ginger has been shown to have antioxidative effects and a protective effect against obesity. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ethanolic extract of steamed ginger (SGE) on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The protective effects of SGE on adipogenesis were examined in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by measuring lipid accumulations and genes involved in adipogenesis. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (ND, 10% fat w/w), a high-fat diet (HFD, 60% fat w/w), and HFD supplemented with either 40 mg/kg or 80 mg/kg of SGE for 12 weeks. Serum chemistry was measured, and the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism was determined in the adipose tissue. Histological analysis and micro-computed tomography were performed to identify lipid accumulations in epididymal fat pads.

RESULTS

In 3T3-L1 cells, SGE significantly decreased lipid accumulation, with concomitant decreases in the expression of adipogenesis-related genes. SGE significantly attenuated the increase in body, liver, and epididymal adipose tissue weights by HFD. Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly lower in SGE fed groups compared to HFD. In adipose tissue, SGE significantly decreased adipocyte size than that of HFD and altered adipogenesis-related genes.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, steamed ginger exerted anti-obesity effects by regulating genes involved in adipogenesis and lipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cell and epididymal adipose tissue of DIO mice.

Anti-Obesity Attributes; UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS-Based Metabolite Profiling and Molecular Docking Insights of Taraxacum officinale

The naturopathic treatment of obesity is a matter of keen interest to develop efficient natural pharmacological routes for disease management with low or negligible toxicity and side effects. For this purpose, optimized ultrasonicated hydroethanolic extracts of Taraxacum officinale were evaluated for antiobesity attributes. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method was adopted to evaluate antioxidant potential. Porcine pancreatic lipase inhibitory assay was conducted to assess the in vitro antiobesity property. Ultra-high performance chromatography equipped with a mass spectrometer was utilized to profile the secondary metabolites in the most potent extract. The 60% ethanolic extract exhibited highest extract yield (25.05 ± 0.07%), total phenolic contents (123.42 ± 0.007 mg GAE/g DE), total flavonoid contents (55.81 ± 0.004 RE/g DE), DPPH-radical-scavenging activity (IC50 = 81.05 ± 0.96 µg/mL) and pancreatic lipase inhibitory properties (IC50 = 146.49 ± 4.24 µg/mL). The targeted metabolite fingerprinting highlighted the presence of high-value secondary metabolites. Molecular-binding energies computed by docking tool revealed the possible contribution towards pancreatic lipase inhibitory properties of secondary metabolites including myricetin, isomangiferin, icariside B4, kaempferol and luteolin derivatives when compared to the standard drug orlistat. In vivo investigations revealed a positive impact on the lipid profile and obesity biomarkers of obese mice. The study presents Taraxacum officinale as a potent source of functional bioactive ingredients to impart new insights into the existing pool of knowledge of naturopathic approaches towards obesity management.

Effects of Aerobic Exercise Protocol on Genes Related to Insulin Resistance and Inflammation in the Pancreas of ob/ob Mice with NAFLD

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of 8 weeks of aerobic training on insulin resistance and inflammatory response in obese mice (ob/ob) with NAFLD.

Materials and Methods

Male ob/ob mice were randomly divided into sedentary (n=7) and trained (n=7) groups. Aerobic training consisted of 5 weekly sessions, 60 min per session at 60% of the maximum speed of the running test. Hepatic and pancreatic samples were collected to evaluate histological features and gene expression associated with insulin resistance and inflammatory response after 8-week experiment protocol. RNA was performed by TRIzol^®. PCR experiments were performed using the Rotor-Gene RG-3000. Parametric data were assessed by t-test, one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni test for multiple comparisons. Non-parametric data were assessed by the Mann-Whitney tests with Dunn's post-test of multiple comparisons. Histological analysis was assessed by chi-square test with Fisher's exact test. Significant variables were considered when p<0.05. All the analyses were performed by GraphPad Prism V6.0 software (GraphPad Software Inc.).

Results

Reductions in bodyweight (p = 0.008), weight evolution (p = 0.03), food intake (p <0.0001) and fat content were observed in trained group. Moreover, the trained group showed better results in peak velocity (p=0.03) physical effort tolerance (p=0.006) and distance (p=0.01). Gene expression showed differences in IL-10 (p=0.03) and GLUT-2 (p=0.03) in hepatic analysis, between groups. Pancreatic gene expression showed difference between groups in IRS-2 (p=0.004), GLUT-2 (p=0.03) and IL-10 (p=0.008) analysis. Also, the trained group showed lower values for interlobular fat and inflammatory infiltrate in histological analysis when compared to sedentary animals.

Conclusion

An 8-week physical training protocol was able to attenuate bodyweight gain, food intake and generate positive effects on gene expression related to insulin resistance and inflammation in both liver and pancreas of ob/ob mice.

How Does Ginsenoside Rh2 Mitigate Adipogenesis in Cultured Cells and Obese Mice?

Ginsenoside Rh2, an intermediate metabolite of ginseng, but not naturally occurring, has recently drawn attention because of its anticancer effect. However, it is not clear if and how Rh2 inhibits preadipocytes differentiation. In the present study, we hypothesized that ginsenoside Rh2 attenuates adipogenesis through regulating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) pathway both in cells and obese mice. Different concentrations of Rh2 were applied both in 3T3-L1 cells and human primary preadipocytes to determine if Rh2 inhibits cell differentiation. Dietary Rh2 was administered to obese mice to determine if Rh2 prevents obesity in vivo. The mRNA and protein expression of PPAR-γ pathway molecules in cells and tissues were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Our results show that Rh2 dose-dependently (30-60 μM) inhibited cell differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells (44.5% ± 7.8% of control at 60 μM). This inhibitory effect is accompanied by the attenuation of the protein and/or mRNA expression of adipogenic markers including PPAR-γ and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha, fatty acid synthase, fatty acid binding protein 4, and perilipin significantly (p < 0.05). Moreover, Rh2 significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited differentiation in human primary preadipocytes at much lower concentrations (5-15 μM). Furthermore, dietary intake of Rh2 (0.1 g Rh2/kg diet, w/w for eight weeks) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced protein PPAR-γ expression in liver and hepatic glutathione reductase and lowered fasting blood glucose. These results suggest that ginsenoside Rh2 dose-dependently inhibits adipogenesis through down-regulating the PPAR-γ pathway, and Rh2 may be a potential agent in preventing obesity in vivo.

Aerobic Exercise Training Prevents Perivascular Adipose Tissue-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction in Thoracic Aorta of Obese Mice

Background: The mechanisms underlying the perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) dysfunction in obesity are closely related to inflammation and oxidative stress. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise training on PVAT-induced endothelial dysfunction of thoracic aorta of obese mice. Methods: Male mice C57BL6/JUnib (6-7 weeks) were divided into: sedentary (c-SD), trained (c-TR), obese sedentary (o-SD), and obese trained (o-TR). Obesity was induced by 16 weeks of high-fat diet and exercise training of moderate intensity started after 8 weeks of protocol and was performed on a treadmill, 5 days/week, for more 8 weeks, 60 min per session. The vascular responsiveness was performed in thoracic aorta in the absence (PVAT-) or in the presence (PVAT+) of PVAT. We analyzed circulatory parameters, protein expression, vascular nitric oxide (NO) production, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in PVAT. Results: The maximal responses to acetylcholine (ACh) were reduced in PVAT+ compared with PVAT- rings in the o-SD group, accompanied by an increase in circulating glucose, insulin, resistin, leptin, and TNF-α. Additionally, the protein expression of iNOS and generation of ROS were increased in PVAT and production of vascular NO was reduced in the o-SD group compared with c-SD. In the o-TR group, the relaxation response to ACh was completely restored and the circulatory TNF-α, iNOS protein expression, and ROS were normalized with increased expression of Mn-SOD in PVAT, resulting in enhanced vascular NO production. Conclusion: The PVAT-induced endothelial dysfunction in thoracic aorta of obese mice, associated with circulatory inflammation and oxidative stress. Aerobic exercise training upregulated the anti-oxidant expression and decreased PVAT oxidative stress with beneficial impact on endothelium-dependent relaxation.

High Density Lipoprotein from Egg Yolk (EYHDL) Improves Dyslipidemia by Mediating Fatty Acids Metabolism in High Fat Diet-induced Obese Mice

We investigated the effect of high density lipoprotein from egg yolk (EYHDL) on serum, hepatic and fecal lipid and fatty acids (FAs) levels and on gene expression involved in FAs metabolism. Male KM mice were fed either normal diet (ND; n=20), high fat diet (HFD; n=20), or high fat diet containing EYHDL (EYHDL; 0.6 mg/g, every day by oral gavage, n=20) for 100 days. At the end of the experiment, the effects of treatments on biochemical parameters, FAs profiles and involved gene expression were analyzed. Our results revealed that EYHDL markedly suppressed the body weight gain, accumulation of abdominal fat tissues, serum concentrations of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides, hepatic triglycerides and cholesterol accumulation, while increased serum concentration of HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C). EYHDL intake also increased total cholesterol (TC) excretions compared with HFD group. Moreover, it alleviated the severity of fatty liver and improved glucose and insulin tolerance compared with HFD. More importantly, EYHDL partially normalized FAs profiles in serum, liver and fecaces and neutralized the HFD-induced upregulation of SREBP-1c, Acaca, Fasn, GPAT and Scd1. In conclusion, our findings indicate that EYHDL may have the potential to improve metabolic disturbances that occur in HFD mice and can be considered as an appropriate dietary recommendation for the treatment of metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Electroacupuncture Reduces Body Weight by Regulating Fat Browning-Related Proteins of Adipose Tissue in HFD-Induced Obese Mice

Objective: This study investigated the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) and its potential underlying mechanisms on adipose tissue in obese mice. Methods: Three-week-old male C56BL/6 mice were randomly divided to feed or not to feed high-fat diet (HFD), named HFD group and chow diet (CD) group, respectively. After 12 weeks, CD and HFD mice were randomly divided into two groups, respectively, to receive or not receive EA for 4 weeks. Body weight (BW) was monitored. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and metabolic chamber recordings were performed. Blood samples and adipose tissue were collected for the analysis of leptin, triglyceride levels, and fat browning-related proteins. Results: EA significantly reduced food intake, BW, and white adipose tissue (WAT)/BW ratio; decreased the adipocyte size and serum concentrations of triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol; and increased oxygen consumption in HFD mice. Compared with the CD mice, the HFD mice had elevated fasting serum glucose level and impaired glucose tolerance; however, these parameters were decreased by EA treatment. Meanwhile, EA promoted the protein and mRNA expressions of UCP1, PRDM16, and PGC-1α in adipose tissue, and activated sympathetic nerves via p-TH, A2AR, and β3AR in white adipose tissue. Conclusions: EA reduced food intake, BW, TG, and cholesterol, and improved glucose tolerance in HFD mice. This ameliorative effect of EA on obesity-related symptoms associated with its promoted adipose tissue plasticity via activating sympathetic nerves.

Antiobesity Effect of Tricin, a Methylated Cereal Flavone, in High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obese Mice

The antiobesity potential of tricin, a methylated cereal flavonoid, was examined using a high-fat-diet-induced obese mice model. The body weight ( P < 0.01) and body fat mass ( P < 0.05) were significantly decreased in the high-dose tricin supplementation group (TH: 200 mg/kg diet) in comparison to the high fat diet control group (CON) after a 12-week feeding trial. The serum (60.9 ± 2.09 mg/dL) and hepatic triglyceride levels (45.3 ± 4.42 nmol/mg protein) in the TH group were significantly decreased in comparison to the CON group (78.3 ± 5.09 mg/dL, 76.3 ± 8.10 nmol/mg protein), respectively. This antiobesity effect was attributed to a decrease in the expression of lipogenic markers crucial for fat synthesis in the liver (fatty acid synthase, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1, elongation of long-chain fatty acids family member 6, glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, and diglyceride acyltransferase) and suppressed expression of transcription factors associated with adipocyte differentiation (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α). These lipid-lowering effects are mediated by the activation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase.

Curcumin improves glycolipid metabolism through regulating peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ signalling pathway in high-fat diet-induced obese mice and 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Curcumin is an active component derived from Curcuma longa L. which is a traditional Chinese medicine that is widely used for treating metabolic diseases through regulating different molecular pathways. Here, in this study, we aimed to comprehensively investigate the effects of curcumin on glycolipid metabolism in vivo and in vitro and then determine the underlying mechanism. Male C57BL/6 J obese mice and 3T3-L1 adipocytes were used for in vivo and in vitro study, respectively. Our results demonstrated that treatment with curcumin for eight weeks decreased body weight, fat mass and serum lipid profiles. Meanwhile, it lowered fasting blood glucose and increased the insulin sensitivity in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. In addition, curcumin stimulated lipolysis and improved glycolipid metabolism through upregulating the expressions of adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ/α (PPARγ/α) and CCAAT/enhancer binding proteinα (C/EBPα) in adipose tissue of the mice. In differentiated 3T3-L1 cells, curcumin reduced glycerol release and increased glucose uptake via upregulating PPARγ and C/EBPα. We concluded that curcumin has the potential to improve glycolipid metabolism disorders caused by obesity through regulating PPARγ signalling pathway.

Saponins and Flavonoids from Adzuki Bean (Vigna angularis L.) Ameliorate High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in ICR Mice

Background and purpose: As an herbal medicine, adzuki bean has been practiced since the Tang Dynasty of China to maintain health and control weight; this practice is still very popular in China nowadays. However, it is still lack of sufficient scientific basis to explain scientific principle of this popular civil practice in weight control using adzuki bean. The purpose of this study was to verify and explain the anti-obesity effects of adzuki bean through in vitro enzymatic assays, in vitro lipolysis and in vivo study of obese mice model.

Methods: Inhibitory effects of flavonoids and saponins from adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) on pancreatic lipase, α-glucosidase activities, and noradrenaline-induced lipolysis were assessed. High-fat diet-induced obesity model was created to study anti-obesity effects of adzuki bean. Both serum and liver lipid parameters were determined after 8 weeks intervention.

Results: Adzuki bean extracts enhanced lipolysis. Compared to the final body weight of high-fat diet group, oral administration of adzuki bean significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the final body weight of mice and adipose tissue accumulation. The adzuki bean intervention also significantly reduced the levels of serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and liver lipid.

Conclusion: Adzuki bean demonstrated the anti-obesity effects on mice, such effects may mediated through the inhibitory effects of flavonoids and saponins from adzuki bean on α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase activities, and lipolysis enhancement effect of active components from adzuki bean.

Flaxseed- and Buckwheat-Supplemented Diets Altered Enterobacteriaceae Diversity and Prevalence in the Cecum and Feces of Obese Mice

Dietary intake may cause variable bacterial prevalence in the gastrointestinal tract. The objective of this research was to determine the prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae in the cecum and feces and its relationship to weight changes following flaxseed-, health-promoting compounds of flaxseed-, or buckwheat-supplemented diets. Seventy-two C57BL/6J male mice were randomly assigned to a diet group and fed for 8 weeks: high fat (45% kcal fat); 10% whole flaxseed (45% kcal fat); 6% defatted flaxseed (45% kcal fat); 4% flaxseed oil (45% kcal fat); 10% buckwheat (45% kcal fat); and low fat (16% kcal fat) diet groups. Significant differences in the prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae in the cecum (p < .0348) and feces at posttreatment (p < .0033) were observed. The prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae affected posttreatment weight (p < .0001). Our results indicate that there may be a relationship between an increase in Enterobacteriaceae prevalence and weight gain.

Anti-adipogenic Effects and Mechanisms of Ginsenoside Rg3 in Pre-adipocytes and Obese Mice

Red or black ginseng has been reported more powerful than white/fresh ginseng in dealing with various diseases/conditions including obesity. The major reason is that heating/steaming, the process of making red or black ginseng, produces large amount of bioactive compounds including ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), which are trace in fresh or white ginseng. In the present study, Rg3 was applied both in pre-adipocytes and obese mice to investigate the anti-adipogenic effects and relevant mechanisms. Our results show that Rg3 dose-dependently inhibited cell differentiation both in 3T3-L1 cells (30, 50, and 100 μM) and human primary pre-adipocytes (10, 20, and 30 μM). This inhibitory effect is accompanied by the attenuation of the expressions of adipogenic markers including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBP-α), fatty acid synthase (FAS), fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) and perilipin. Although dietary intake of Rg3 (0.1 mg Rg3/kg diet, 8 weeks) did not significantly affect body weight gain, fat pads and food intake as well as of PPAR-γ expression in fat tissues, we found that hepatic PPAR-γ and C/EBP-α protein expressions and hepatic glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase, two major antioxidants molecules were significantly reduced by Rg3. These results suggest that ginsenoside Rg3 may be a potential agent in reducing/preventing obesity.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 reverses suppression of adiponectin expression via inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in adipose tissue of obese mice

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has recently emerged as a novel endocrine hormone involved in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. However, the exact mechanisms whereby FGF21 mediates insulin sensitivity remain not fully understood. In the present study, FGF21was administrated in high-fat diet-induced obese mice and tunicamycin-induced 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and metabolic parameters, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress indicators, and insulin signaling molecular were assessed by Western blotting. The administration of FGF21 in obese mice reduced body weight, blood glucose and serum insulin, and increased insulin sensitivity, resulting in alleviation of insulin resistance. Meanwhile, FGF21 treatment reversed suppression of adiponectin expression and restored insulin signaling via inhibiting ER stress in adipose tissue of obese mice. Additionally, suppression of ER stress via the ER stress inhibitor tauroursodeoxycholic acid increased adiponectin expression and improved insulin resistance in obese mice and in tunicamycin-induced adipocytes. In conclusion, our results showed that the administration of FGF21 reversed suppression of adiponectin expression and restored insulin signaling via inhibiting ER stress under the condition of insulin resistance, demonstrating the causative role of ER stress in downregulating adiponectin levels.

Inhibitory effects of Doenjang, Korean traditional fermented soybean paste, on oxidative stress and inflammation in adipose tissue of mice fed a high-fat diet

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Doenjang, Korean traditional fermented soybean paste has been reported to have an anti-obesity effect. Because adipose tissue is considered a major source of inflammatory signals, we investigated the protective effects of Doenjang and steamed soybean on oxidative stress and inflammation in adipose tissue of diet-induced obese mice.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a low fat diet (LF), a high-fat diet (HF), or a high-fat containing Doenjang diet (DJ) or a high-fat containing steamed soybean diet (SS) for 11 weeks.

RESULTS

Mice fed a DJ diet showed significantly lower body and adipose tissue weights than those in the HF group. Although no significant differences in adipocyte size and number were observed among the HF diet-fed groups, consumption of Doenjang alleviated the incidence of crown-like structures in adipose tissue. Consistently, we observed significantly reduced mRNA levels of oxidative stress markers (heme oxygenase-1 and p40^phox), pro-inflammatory adipokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha and macrophage chemoattractant protein-1), macrophage markers (CD68 and CD11c), and a fibrosis marker (transforming growth factor beta 1) by Doenjang consumption. Gene expression of anti-inflammatory adipokine, adiponectin was significantly induced in the DJ group and the SS group compared to the HF group. The anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects observed in mice fed an SS diet were not as effective as those in mice fed a DJ diet, suggesting that the bioactive compounds produced during fermentation and aging may be involved in the observed health-beneficial effects of Doenjang.

CONCLUSIONS

Doenjang alleviated oxidative stress and restored the dysregulated expression of adipokine genes caused by excess adiposity. Therefore, Doenjang may ameliorate systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in obesity via inhibition of inflammatory signals of adipose tissue.

Effects of resveratrol on the insulin signaling pathway of obese mice

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of resveratrol on the insulin signaling pathway in the liver of obese mice. To accomplish this, we administered resveratrol to high fat diet-induced obese mice and examined the levels of protein phosphorylation in the liver using an antibody array. The phosphorylation levels of 10 proteins were decreased in the high fat diet and resveratrol (HFR) fed group relative to the levels in the high fat diet (HF) fed group. In contrast, the phosphorylation levels of more than 20 proteins were increased in the HFR group when compared with the levels of proteins in the HF group. Specifically, the phosphorylation levels of Akt (The308, Tyr326, Ser473) were restored to normal by resveratrol when compared with the levels in the HF group. In addition, the phosphorylation levels of IRS-1 (Ser636/Ser639), PI-3K p85-subunit α/γ(Tyr467/Tyr199), PDK1 (Ser241), GSK-3α (S21) and GSK-3 (Ser9), which are involved in the insulin signaling pathway, were decreased in the HF group, whereas the levels were restored to normal in the HFR group. Overall, the results show that resveratrol restores the phosphorylation levels of proteins involved in the insulin signaling pathway, which were decreased by a high fat diet.

The anti-obesity effect of Lethariella cladonioides in 3T3-L1 cells and obese mice

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a water extract of L. cladonioides (LC) has an anti-obesity effect in 3T3-L1 cells and obese mice. Treatment of differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes with LC caused a significant increase in glycerol release and reduced the protein expression of the adipogenic transcription factors, PPARγ and C/EBPα. In an animal model, obese mice were artificially induced by a high fat diet for 10 weeks. Experimental groups were treated with LC (100 mg/kg/day) by gavage for the next 10 weeks. At the end of experiment, the body weight of the LC group mice was reduced by 14.2% compared to the high fat diet (HFD) group. The treatment also decreased liver (31.0%), epididymal (18.0%) and retroperitoneal (19.3%) adipose tissue, and kidney (6.7%) weights, respectively, compared with those of the HFD group. LC prevented diet-induced increases in the serum level of TC (22.6%), TG (11.6%), and glucose (35.0%), respectively, compared with the HFD group. However, the HDL-C level was higher in the LC group (26.1%) than the HFD group. The results of this study thus suggest that LC suppressed lipid accumulation and expression of adipogenic transcription factors, and increased the amount of glycerol release. LC also indicated an anti-obese and anti-hyperlipidemic effect.